TRIPARTITE WORKGROUP FOR THE PREVENTION OF ABUSE AND HARASSMENT OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS RELEASES PUBLIC REPORT

The Tripartite Workgroup for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment of Healthcare Workers (TWG) has laid a strong foundation through the establishment of a sector-wide framework and clear guidelines for healthcare institutions, raising public awareness, and fostering a culture of respect and safety. With the conclusion of the TWG’s term on 30 June 2026, the TWG has released a public report to document its work over the last four years. Moving forward, it will transition into a Community of Practice (COP) to build a lasting culture of respect and safety across all healthcare settings

2.             These updates were announced by Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital & Yishun Community Hospital’s Safety and Security Week. Titled “Standing Together: Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare in Singapore”. The full public report is available on the Ministry of Health’s website at https://go.gov.sg/twg-public-report ↗ (opens in new tab).

3.             The TWG was established in 2022 to spearhead a coordinated national effort to prevent the abuse and harassment of healthcare workers across the public, private, and community care sectors. It brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health (MOH), public and private healthcare institutions, the community care sector, and the Healthcare Services Employees' Union (HSEU).

4.             In 2023, the TWG engaged more than 3,000 healthcare workers and more than 1,500 members of the public through surveys and focus group discussions. About two in three healthcare workers surveyed reported that they had witnessed or experienced abuse or harassment, with verbal abuse among the most prevalent forms. Many incidents went unreported then, as healthcare workers held back due to unclear reporting channels, fear of repercussions, or a belief that such treatment was simply "part of the job".

Tripartite Framework for the Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare